Ventilation Systems
Ensuring fresh air supply
Ventilation Systems - Complete Guide
In a shelter, air is “life support”. Poor ventilation, smoke or CO can become deadly faster than hunger.
Ventilation is safety, not comfort
Headache, drowsiness or shortness of breath indoors can indicate worsening air quality (CO2, CO, smoke). Treat it seriously.
Why it matters
Many emergency incidents come from indoor combustion and lack of air control.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless and can cause loss of consciousness.
- High CO2 reduces alertness and sleep quality.
- Smoke/particles require limiting intake and filtering.
Natural ventilation
When outside air is safe, cross-ventilation is the simplest method.
- Short, intense airing beats leaving a window cracked (less heat loss).
- Air out when outdoor air is best (e.g., at night during heat).
- Avoid drafts through the sleeping area in cold weather.
Mechanical and emergency ventilation
For longer stays, plan for forced airflow and operation during power loss.
- Provide separate intake and exhaust paths when possible.
- Have backup power and a duty cycle plan.
- Protect intakes from rain/snow and clogging.
Air Filtration
HEPA filters help with particles and smoke. Activated carbon can help with some odors/VOCs but is not universal. Match filters to the hazard.
Beware combustion sources
Never use a generator, grill or fuel stove in a closed room without proper ventilation. A cracked window is not a guarantee of safety.
Monitoring and maintenance
Simple, reliable checks matter most in a crisis.
- CO detector if any combustion is used.
- Controlled airing and symptom awareness.
- Check filters and intake/exhaust flow.
- Have a fallback plan if air cannot be kept safe.